Testing for protein in urine is an effective and non-invasive way to detect kidney damage and other health conditions. Because urine protein levels fluctuate throughout the day, a 24-hour urine protein test can give you a more accurate result than testing one sample. Here's everything you need to know about 24-hour urine protein tests.
Why Test for Protein in Urine?
Protein in urine is sometimes a temporary condition that results from fever, dehydration, intense exercise, or prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures. [1] But, at other times, elevated levels of protein in the urine, known as proteinuria, can indicate serious health problems. It can be a sign of kidney damage, which could be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, or other disease. [2]
How to Test for Protein in Urine
If you or your doctor is worried that you might have protein in your urine, there are several ways to test your urine protein. Your doctor can order a lab test, or you can perform a home test for protein in urine using protein in urine test strips. Both of these methods only test the protein in a single sample of urine. Because the amount of protein in your urine fluctuates throughout the day, the results don't always show how much protein is actually in your urine on a regular basis.
If you're concerned about protein in your urine, using Diagnox's urine protein test strips is an easy and affordable way to test at home. If the test strips for protein in urine are positive, notify your doctor right away so they can determine if further testing is needed.
If your doctor wants a more comprehensive understanding of how much protein is in your urine throughout the day, they might order a 24-hour urine protein test. The test can detect a variety of health problems. Doctors commonly test 24-hour urine protein for preeclampsia in pregnant women with other symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, and blurred vision.
How to Perform a 24-Hour Urine Protein Test at Home
If your doctor orders a 24-hour urine protein test, you can usually complete it at home. You'll receive several sample containers to collect your urine. Be sure to follow all of your doctor's instructions carefully. The collection period usually starts with the second urination of the day and continues for 24 hours. You'll need to keep the collected urine in a cool place until you deliver it to your doctor or lab. [3]
For accurate results, do the following: [2]
- Collect every urine within the 24-hour window.
- Make sure to collect the full sample with each urination.
- Stop collecting urine at exactly 24 hours.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding what foods and drinks to avoid and how much to exercise.
- Keep the urine sample refrigerated or on ice during the entire collection period.
24-Hour Urine Protein Test Results
Your doctor will contact you with the results of the test. The 24-hour urine protein normal range is under 100 milligrams of protein per day [3]. If your results are above normal, your doctor may order more tests to find or confirm a diagnosis. Be sure to complete all testing and follow up with your doctor as necessary.
